2004 marks the introduction of the 6th-generation Corvette as a 2005 model. As with any new-generation Corvette, anticipation is rampant. C6 represents an important departure from C5 both in terms of exterior and interior styling and chassis dynamics. It features a revamped platform (to be shared with the new Cadillac XLR roadster), fixed headlights (for the first time since 1962) and an edgier, more compact body. This GM-licensed book takes the enthusiast on an illustrated tour of how C6 developed from the drawing board to the production line.
- Officially Licensed by GM
- Full development details and technical specifications
- First-person stories from key Corvette engineers and designers
Format: Hardbound
Pages: 160
Length: 9.37w x 12.37h
ISBN: 0760318654
Catalog ID: 137470AP

Pros: Generally an interesting read and, visually, quite attractive. Those with large Corvette book collections probably should put it on their shopping list. For owners of the new C6 Vette, it’s a must-have.

There are probably more “coffee table” style-books about the Chevrolet Corvette than any other sports car. A search of Amazon.com for “Corvette (hardcover)” returned over two thousand results. Admittedly, not all those are coffee table titles, but even if only a third are large-package-size, full-color, glossy-paper, hardback Vette books, that’s a heck of a lot of titles from which to choose.

What sets Phil Berg’s Corvette C6 a cut above the others are three characteristics: 1) It’s the first hardback title on the all-new, 2005, C6 Vette, 2) it’s the only C6 book to be sanctioned, approved and have its publication supported by General Motors and 3) GM was engaged enough with the project to have Corvette Chief Engineer, David Hill, write the book’s Forward.

Another thing that sets this title apart from some others is photography that is nothing short of very good and, in most cases, excellent. Many of the images were shot by noted Corvette photographer, Richard Prince, in the picturesque Piedmont hills of Virginia and at Virginia International Raceway. Prince’s work considerably enhances the visual experience of this book. The only thing that keeps all the art in Corvette C6 from being outstanding are a few color shift problems, but that is a production issue not a problem with the photo work.

Author, Phil Berg, is a former Car and Driver magazine staff member and his material has appeared in AutoWeek, Sports Car International and Corvette Quarterly. He’s, also, the author of MBI’s best-selling Ultimate Garages, so he was a natural choice to write Corvette C6.

Early on, this book pulls the reader into one of the most interesting aspects of the C6 story with Chapter Two’s discussion of exterior design. This part of the book is attractive for its extensive collection of drawings and pictures of the various interpretations of the C6 shape which were done during 1999-2002 as the car’s exterior evolved. Some of this imagery has never been seen before and will probably remain exclusive to this book. The illustrations and pictures cover just about everything, from Tom Peter’s landmark first rendering of the C6 theme, to full-sized wind-tunnel models and final design candidates. The accompanying text is, also, interesting, but doesn’t quite have the impact of the images because it omits discussion of key parts of the program: 1) the significant controversy over the exposed headlights. Berg mentions the lights in passing, but doesn’t adequately cover the divisiveness at GM Design Staff, in Chevrolet Marketing and on the Corvette Team that eventually had to be resolved at the highest levels of the program with a decision by GM Vehicle Line Executive, David Hill, 2) the influence the F/A-22 jet fighter had on Chief Designer, Tom Peters, which, according to media reports and interviews with Peters, was quite significant and 3) the strong influence the 1963-1967 “C2” Corvette’s exterior had on Peters and his team. None of these issues were covered and the book, as a chronicle of the C6 program, suffers a little because of it.

Another interesting part of this book is an account of how the C6 was exhaustively tested once the “Alpha” and “Beta” prototype cars were available. Berg’s discussion of: developing the car’s performance on Germany’s Autobahns and its famed Nurburgring test track, running Alphas and Betas at GM’s Milford and Desert Proving Grounds and cold weather testing in the U.P. of Michigan are revealing insights to how Corvettes must measure-up to stringent requirements not made of other sports cars. The chapter on testing includes photos of a number of Beta cars that give the reader a rare, visual insight to the vehicle development process.

A big story with C6 is its powertrain, especially the new, six-liter, 400-horsepower engine and, expectedly, there’s a chapter on the engine and the car’s transmissions. If you’re a nuts-and-bolts techie, you’ll find that part of the book pleasing.

The new Vette’s revised suspension and brakes are covered. The book talks of new safety and convenience features. It covers the upgraded interior. The author gives the reader insight to GM’s “sweating the details” with accounts of Team Corvette’s testing 20 different shift knobs before finding one that was just right and working to get cup holders to support a large drink container, even when the car was generating 1g lateral acceleration. What’s missing in the interior discussion is probably its most important aspect, next to its new appearance and that’s how quiet it is. The most significant, customer-driven part of the C6 development was a very noticeable decrease in road noise. While Berg acknowledges that was a goal of the program, he says little about the results or how they were achieved.

Corvette C6 has two other weaknesses. First, its proof-reading was average, at best. For example: in several places, people’s names, titles or responsibilities are misstated. Bob Lutz is identified as a GM “Vice President”. Actually, Lutz is Vice Chairman of the Board, a considerably higher rank. Chief Designer, Tom Peters, was said to have been responsible for C6’s exterior and its structure. Actually, Peters oversaw the team that designed the exterior but had had nothing at all to do with the car’s structure. The book says Dave Wickman is the car’s “Ride and Handling Coordinator”. Actually, Wickman is the Corvette Vehicle Performance Manager, a more difficult and wide-ranging job. If that isn’t enough, elsewhere, the book misidentifies him as “Mike Wickman.”

Secondly, there are a number of technical errors, most of which are in the powertrain chapter. While these technical deficiencies may not be considered critical by some because this is a “coffee table” book more to look at than to read; that the book was approved by GM, has a Forward by the car’s Chief Engineer and costs thirty dollars means it must meet a high standard of technical accuracy. Unfortunately, it falls a bit short of that mark. Hopefully MBI will correct these problems, if Corvette C6 goes to a second printing.

Bottom line: while Corvette C6 has a few holes in the exterior design and interior coverage, suffers a bit with proofreading and technical mistakes; it’s generally an interesting read and, visually, quite attractive. Those with large Corvette book collections probably should put it on their shopping list. For owners of the new C6 Vette, it’s a must-have.